Benoy K. Behl's documentary, Ramayana: The Greatest Epic, takes one to India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal and Indonesia to document and tell the story of this great epic through multi-religious, international cultural performances. Generations of children have learned the vast story of the “Ramayana” through the incredibly diverse methods of performance and storytelling. Join the conversation with the director and curator of the exhibition, Forrest McGill.

Explore the ancient kingdom of Angkor, which was one of the most powerful states in Southeast Asia from the 800s to the 1300s. A succession of kings built huge temples that remain in Cambodia today as some of the world's greatest religious monuments.

A behind-the-scenes look at art conservation at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. This video also includes brief information about Southeast Asian arts and about the collection of the late Doris Duke.

Spring 2012. Join us as we explore the art of Southeast Asia and the Himalayas. Featuring prominent scholars and curators from across the country, these lectures will showcase many treasures of the Asian Art Museum and illuminate sacred and secular traditions: from the steamy kingdoms in the east and south of India to the mountainous realms to the north.

This lecture series, organized by the Society for Asian Art, explores narrative using Asian art—how myths, legends, histories and moral precepts have been transmitted through visual means. Topics range from sculptural reliefs and murals used to educate pilgrims at famous religious sites to works created primarily for entertainment. Contemporary storytelling is also addressed via lectures on Bollywood and manga produced by San Francisco's Henry Yoshitaka Kiama.

The Barong is a protective deity that can take on a variety of animal forms—lions, tigers, and boars are some of the more common images—land each one is addressed using a respectful title such as Great God or Great Lord. Many villages, especially in southern Bali, have their own Barong figure. The Barong mask is kept in a shrine within a temple and brought out for use. The Barong is one of the most prominent images seen in the performing arts of Bali. This video features the Calonarang, a dance drama intended to chase away evil and purify a village.

Observe the time, love and labor that goes into the costumes and makeup required in one of the most important traditional Balinese dances, the condong ("divine nymph"). See examples of other Balinese customary ritual clothing and learn how to outfit yourself in a sarong and sash. Dancers will perform a segment of the majestic condong in their full regalia.

Observe the time, love and labor that goes into the costumes and makeup required in one of the most important traditional Balinese dances, the condong ("divine nymph"). See examples of other Balinese customary ritual clothing and learn how to outfit yourself in a sarong and sash. Dancers will perform a segment of the majestic condong in their full regalia.

This video depicts a cremation ceremony for members of the Balinese royal family. There are dozens of steps in the Balinese cremation process which can take many months depending on the wealth and status of the deceased. Wealthy people often have extremely elaborate pavilions and other implements that are part of this process. When the body finally makes it to the cremation grounds, there is a pavilion built there under which stands an animal-shaped coffin. The shape of the coffin is related to the caste of the person who has died.

Elementary School (4-5),Middle School (6-8),High School (9-12),College and Beyond

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0:07:04

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There are many performing arts in Bali, and one of the most famous today is a type of dance called Legong dancing which involves mostly young girls who are trained from a very young age. The Bali: Art, Ritual Performance exhibition is on view at the Asian Art Museum from February 25--September 11, 2011.

Regarded as one of the fastest guitarist in Indonesia, I Wayan Balawan appears in a special concert performing his signature blend of traditional Balinese music with jazz. Well-known for his ability to play a double-neck guitar and his development of the touch-tapping technique, Balawan has released three albums and tours all over the world.

This video depicts two members of the Ubud royal family being carried on palanquins in a cremation procession. Being transported aloft like this proclaims the status of a ruler and reflects the tradition of transporting god images on smaller palanquins, like one located in the last gallery of this exhibition. The palanquin on view in the Bali exhibition at the Asian Art Museum features three elaborately painted panels depicting Arjuna, one of the heroes of the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. In the story, a demon threatens heaven and the Hindu god Indra seeks Arjuna's help. The back panel shows Arjuna, seated in the center, proving his worthiness by resisting the celestial maidens sent by Indra to distract him from his meditation.

The painting of the temple offering at the start of this video, on view at the Asian Art Museum during the Bali exhibition, is by Miguel Covarrubias. It is among the many offerings he must have seen as he traveled around the island of Bali. Offerings such as these are still an important part of ceremonial life in Bali to this day. Miguel Covarrubias, a Mexican artist famous in 1920s and 30s New York City for illustrating the covers of magazines like Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, made his first trip to Bali in 1930 with his wife Rose.

Watch Javanese artisans make batik and learn more about their refined techniques. Many places in the world pattern textiles by applying wax to protect certain areas from dye. During the dye process, the wax areas resist the dye, and when the wax is removed a pattern emerges. Both the technique and the textile produced are called batik. Nowhere in the world is this method of patterning textiles as highly refined as in Indonesia.

Watch the Ramayana come to life through Cambodian dance. Dancers Charya Burt and Reaksmey Lath introduce audiences to the history and form of Cambodian classical dance. The two then demonstrate gestures and movements of three main characters, Seda (Sita), Preah Ream (Rama) and Reab (Ravana), and unpack their meaning in Reamker, the Khmer version of the Ramayana.

Javellana, S.J., Professor of Art, Ateneo de Manila University speaks about art and Christianity from a historical perspective. He also explore some of the artworks presented in the exhibition at the University of San Francisco called Galleons and Globalization: California Mission Arts and the Pacific Rim (on view August 20- December 19, 2010).

Art Historian Tony Godfrey discusses recent developments in Indonesian contemporary art. Godfrey explores questions about a national tradition of art, predominantly painting, has come into being since Indonesian independence in 1945. Art in Indonesia has often been responsive to political or social change, it is also often highly poetic, very satiric and funny. Why is this? Indonesian art is becoming more international: is it in danger of losing its connection to traditional culture and its role in the historical development of the country?

Elementary School (K-3),Elementary School (4-5),Middle School (6-8),High School (9-12),College and Beyond

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01:04:26

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Learn kecak, the Ramayana monkey chant depicting a battle from the epic story in which Hanuman helps Rama fight the demon Ravana. Members of Gamelan Sekar Jaya teach audience members simple percussive chants through basic patterns of kecak, some body movement and cueing—louder, softer, stopping and different percussive sounds. Using what they’ve learned, the audience is invited to join Gamelan Sekar Jaya members in a kecak, making the space vibrate with the sounds of “cak”. An excerpt of a dance showcasing the Ramayana will also be performed.

Emerald Cities: Arts of Siam and Burma, 1775–1950 was the first major exhibition in the West to explore the rich but little known arts of Siam and Burma from 1775–1950. View lectures by renowned scholars related to this exhibtion (on view at the Asian Art Museum from October 23, 2009–January 10, 2010).

A conversation with artist Manuel Ocampo, moderated by assistant curator of contemporary art Dr. Karin Oen. This conversation was in conjunction with the exhibition First Look: Collecting Contemporary at the Asian at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco from Sept. 4 through Oct. 11, 2015.

The Society for Asian Art's renowned Arts of Asia lecture series will focus on trade roads and sea routes. You will be transported from courts to caravans, from stupas to shipwrecks, from mountain passes and river valleys to open seas. Travel with merchants and monks, monarchs and missionaries and see their riches and relics. Discover ancient ceramics, sculptures, coins, calligraphy, tea wares, textiles and much more.

Heman Chong imagines a future of dystopian stillness with Calendars (2020–2096), an installation of 1001 photos, each a calendar page capturing a moment of complete emptiness in today's bustling areas of Singapore. View this work for yourself at the Asian Art Museum during the exhibition, Phantoms of Asia: Contemporary Awakens the Past (on view from May 18–September 2, 2012).

A batik lower garment can be wrapped in many ways. People of varying ages, diverse regional backgrounds, or different marital statuses might wrap their long cloths (kain panjang) in different manners. These textiles often are pleated more intricately for ceremonial occasions. The sarong or tube skirt is a less formal mode of dress, which can be worn by both men and women. In this video Alice Adeboi, with the assistance of Peggy Adeboi, demonstrates a formal and less formal way of wearing a kain panjang, methods taught to her by her Javanese mother. Michael Ogi shows how a kain panjang would be worn by a man on a formal occasion and how a sarong is worn informally. This video will be on view in the exhibition, Batik: Spectacular Textiles of Java (on view at the Asian Art Museum from November 2, 2012–May 5, 2013).

Benedicto Reyes Cabrera (or BenCab, as he is more popularly known) is widely hailed as a master of contemporary Philippine art. Hear a conversation between him and Filipino American author Luis Francia at the 2011 Filipino American History Month Celebration at the Asian Art Museum.

Dubbed “one of Southeast Asia’s leading contemporary artists,” Jakkai Siributr is noted for his detailed tapestries and installations that comment on the religious, social and political issues facing Thailand today. Asian Art Museum Art Speak interns sat down with Jakkai to discuss his three works in the exhibition Here/Not Here: Buddha Presence in Eight Recent Works (on view at the Asian Art Museum from April 1–October 23, 3011) and his perspectives on politics, art school, free time, and much more.

Dubbed “one of Southeast Asia’s leading contemporary artists,” Jakkai Siributr is noted for his detailed tapestries and installations that comment on the religious, social and political issues facing Thailand today. Asian Art Museum Art Speak interns sat down with Jakkai to discuss his three works in the exhibition Here/Not Here: Buddha Presence in Eight Recent Works (on view at the Asian Art Museum from April 1–October 23, 3011) and his perspectives on politics, art school, free time, and much more.

Dubbed “one of Southeast Asia’s leading contemporary artists,” Jakkai Siributr is noted for his detailed tapestries and installations that comment on the religious, social and political issues facing Thailand today. Asian Art Museum Art Speak interns sat down with Jakkai to discuss his three works in the exhibition Here/Not Here: Buddha Presence in Eight Recent Works (on view at the Asian Art Museum from April 1–October 23, 3011) and his perspectives on politics, art school, free time, and much more.

In his most recent work, Indonesian artist Jompet Kuswidananto explores political and cultural identity, particularly around the people and history of Java. Informed by theories drawn from the field of cultural studies, he connects local history to global movements with a focus on the fragility of changing identities.

Paul Hoover reads a poem he wrote in response to the works "Anonymity," 2008-2011 (eight from a series of nine light boxes) by Poklong Anading and Chinese bronze mirrors (from the Asian Art Museum's collection). These works are on view as part of the exhibition Phantoms of Asia: Contemporary Awakens the Past (on view at the Asian Art Museum from May 18–September 2, 2012). This presentation was part of MATCHA. Co-presented with Litquake.

Elementary School (K-3),Elementary School (4-5),Middle School (6-8),High School (9-12),College and Beyond

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0:11:02

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Asian Art Museum Storyteller Amit Pendyal tells a scene from the Rama epic (Ramayana) with the use of artworks in the museum's collection. Discover more fresh takes on this ageless tale in the exhibition, The Rama Epic: Hero, Heroine, Ally, Foe.

Watch excerpts from Makrokosma Bali, a new work from composer Wayne Vitale in collaboration with Sekaa Gong Taruna Mekar—a renowned gamelan ensemble from Bali under the direction of I Made Arnawa—and US-based visual and set designers. The work combines new music for gamelan orchestra with projected video and still imagery, digital-audio soundscapes, and an integrated lighting and set design. Makrokosma Bali contrasts the cultural values and cosmology of Bali with those of Western origin, exploring a range of scales from macro (galaxies) to micro (a human cell). A panoply of video imagery—people, landscapes, cities, rice harvesting, offerings, temples, the forging of red-hot bronze gongs—will be projected onto multiple screens and surfaces, brought to life through the virtuosic playing of Sekaa Gong Taruna Mekar.

Denise Migdail, Textile Conservator at the Asian Art Museum, explains how she prepared batik textiles to be mounted for display in the exhibition, Batik: Spectacular Textiles of Java (on view at the Asian Art Museum from November 2, 2012–May 5, 2013).

Elementary School (4-5),Middle School (6-8),High School (9-12),College and Beyond

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0:1:48:10

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It’s that time of year again, when the museum gears up for its annual Filipino American History Month Celebration. This year’s theme of MOVEMENT focuses on the traditions of dance, martial arts, word and art of the Philippines. The day kicks off with opening remarks. Then the ACPA takes the stage for a performance titled, Voyage to Mindinao. Kasamahan dancers from the University of San Francisco dancers perform dances combining Filipino and Filipino American experiences. Then immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of the rondalla, a stringed instrument ensemble, by the young musicians of ACPA.

The collaboration between Baybayin (pre-Spanish Filipino script) artist Christian Cabuay and calligraphic performer Aoi Yamaguchi demonstrates the history and culture of Japan and the Philippines. Cabuay and Yamaguchi explore the differences and similarities of their art and struggle. By embracing traditions, rituals, and roots, they are pushing the boundaries and creating something anew, integrating international cultural ideas, styles, and forms. Meaning "beginning/origin" in Tagalog and Japanese, Simula and Gen symbolize the artists asserting identity through their calligraphy traditions.

A lecture series by renowned scholars on the arts of Asia—explore temples, palaces, and sometimes forgotten places of power, religion, and art. Visit world wonders not simply as tourists today, but as monks, monarchs, artisans and artistocrats, traders and explorers experienced them over the centuries.

The sponsorship of art by monarchs, merchants, and devotees throughout Asia will be explored. Lectures will focus on topics spanning Chinese patronage from ancient times through several of the most famous imperial dynasties (Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing) to Jayavarman VII (Angkor Wat), the Safavids in Persia, Jahanara Begum (Shah Jahan's daughter), and even contemporary patrons like the Samsung family.

Listen to Fr. René B. Javellana, Associate Professor of the Fine Arts Program at the School of Humanities, Ateneo de Manila University, discuss the intersection between Philippine art and social change.

Join Myrna Zialcita from the San Francisco Filipino Amercian Jazz Festival as we honor Blues, R&B, and Jazz pioneer, San Francisco’s own, Sugar Pie De Santo. Contemporary artist, Aireene Espiritu, will perform some of Ms. De Santo’s classic and beloved compositions, as well as some of her own originals.

Cecilia Gaerlan from the Bataan Legacy Historical Society and Stephen Haller, historian for the National Park Service at Golden Gate National Recreation Area will take us on a journey through time as they highlight significant milestones in Filipino history, from the 1898 Battle of Manila up to present day.

Barong masks are often sold as souvenirs, but true ritual Barong are created using a particular type of wood with special ceremonies marking key points in the process. In this video, scholar I Wayan Dibia is at the home of mask carver I Wayan Tanguhh and describes the process of repairing a Barong mask. The Barong is a protective deity that can take on a variety of animal forms--lions, tigers, and boars are some of the more common images--and each one is addressed using a respectful title such as Great God or Great Lord. Many villages, especially in southern Bali, have their own Barong figure. The Barong mask is kept in a shrine within a temple and brought out for use.

Temple dances involve refined, stylized motions of daily life as a gift to visiting deities during festivals. Enchanting music, splendid costumes, and exquisite movements are pleasurable to both divine guests and village audiences. Celebrate the opening of the Bali: Art, Ritual, Performance exhibition (on view at the Asian Art Museum from February 25-September 11, 2011) with an auspicious performance of dance and music by ensemble Gadung Kasturi.

Elementary School (4-5),Middle School (6-8),High School (9-12),College and Beyond

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0:03:22

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Celebrated master of Balinese shadow puppetry, I Wayan Wija performs Tantri, a collection of animal tales. Wayan Wija has created a new form of shadow puppetry, Wayang Tantri, by creating a set of characters based on the animals and human characters of the ancient Panchatantra tales.

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0:03:43

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Larry Reed is the founding artistic director of Shadow Theater company ShadowLight Productions. He was one of the first Westerners to train in the traditional Balinese shadow theater (wayang kulit) and one of the first to achieve the title of dalang ("shadow master"). He is also a trailblazer in contemporary shadow theater and this promises to be a captivating performance. Watch his demonstration at the Asian Art Museum on July 16, 2011.

Drawing its title from a painting by the late Carlos Villa, this roundtable conversation ruminates on the aesthetics and ethics of contemporary Filipino American art in the Bay Area. This program was organized and moderated by Thea Quiray Tagle, in conversation with artists Jenifer K. Wofford, Eliza Barrios, Michael Arcega, Cece Carpio and Lordy Rodriguez.

This video features Balinese dancer, Kompiang Metri Davies, discussing the symbolism of Balinese dance costumes. The Bali: Art, Ritual Performance exhibition is on view at the Asian Art Museum from February 25--September 11, 2011.

Thailand’s Loi Krathong festival is held on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month (usually in November) and involves floating offerings along waterways. A banana-leaf cup drifting down the stream carries away ill-fortune and honors the River Goddess. The ritual is believed to have strong ties to Buddhism. You can’t go to Thailand, but you can still celebrate this peaceful tradition at MATCHA with live music and dance by Thai Cultural Center.

Elementary School (4-5),Middle School (6-8),High School (9-12),College and Beyond

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0:15:13

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Asian Art Museum Storyteller Miriam Mills tells a scene from from the Rama epic (Ramayana) with the use of artworks in the Asian Art Museum's collection. Discover more fresh takes on this ageless tale in the exhibition, The Rama Epic: Hero, Heroine, Ally, Foe.

Apart from their damaged limbs, these 1,000-year-old Cambodian sculptures survive in excellent condition, and the fact that they have remained together makes them rare. These statues would have been in the inner sanctuary of a Hindu temple, a huge stone complex built up like a step pyramid, with the sanctuary at the top. Images of Shiva acting out his power in the world might be found on the outside of an ancient Cambodian temple, but inside the temple the deity would be shown standing upright and still, conveying a sense of resolute calm to all who gazed upon him.

Dr. Forrest McGill, Wattis Senior Curator of South and Southeast Asian Art and Director of the Research Institute for Asian Art, will explain to the rituals and their significance of the Thai king's cremation ceremony (Fall 2017).

Travel to the Balinese village of Tenganan to discover how double ikat textiles, known as geringsing, are made. Gering means "sick" and sing means "no." Geringsing are prized for their ability to ward off evil and sickness.

Elementary School (4-5),Middle School (6-8),High School (9-12),College and Beyond

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Video

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0:12:28

Description:

Asian Art Museum Storyteller Leta Bushyhead tells a scene from from the Rama epic (Ramayana) with the use of artworks in the museum's collection. Discover more fresh takes on this ageless tale in the exhibition, The Rama Epic: Hero, Heroine, Ally, Foe.

Asian Art Museum Associate Curator of South Asian Art, Natasha Reichle, gives the Asian Art Museum docents a tour of the latest rotation of objects in the museum's Southeast Asia galleries. The galleries feature works of art in the museum's collection from Bali, which complement the exhibition, Bali: Art, Ritual, Performance, on view at the Asian Art Museum from February 25-September 11, 2011.

Hear Christian Cabuay, artist and author of An Introduction to Baybayin and Julie Seltzer, artist and Torah scribe-in-residence at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, share their perspectives. A multimedia collaboration between the Asian Art Museum and the Contemporary Jewish Museum.

The guava, called bayabas in the Philippines, is full of vitamins and has been used to heal cuts and other ailments. Find out why this fruit is so important in the Philippines and how it got its name.

General support for education is provided by the Dhanam Foundation, the Koret Foundation, the John & Marcia Goldman Foundation, The Charles D. and Frances K. Field Fund, Dodge & Cox, and The Joseph & Mercedes McMicking Foundation. Support is also provided by an endowment established by The Hearst Foundations

Major support for the Asian Art Museum’s school programs and resources is provided by the Dhanam Foundation, United Airlines, The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, and Daphne and Stuart Wells. Additional support is provided by Ms. Jane B. Dalisay and Mr. John W. Kirkman and an anonymous donor. Teacher professional development programs are supported by Wells Fargo.